The Atlanta Falcons ran right through the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, as Bijan Robinson rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns and Brian Robinson Jr. scored three more in a 45-24 win at the Caesars Superdome, AP and ESPN reported.

It started fast. Bijan Robinson broke a 59-yard touchdown run on Atlanta's third play, and the Falcons never trailed after that. They outgained the Saints on the ground by 205 yards to 50, according to AP.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. kept things simple, completing 15 of 20 passes for 223 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown to Jahan Dotson in the fourth quarter. It was only his second game back from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season.

ESPN said Atlanta became the first NFL team to win back-to-back games on the road, in prime time and by 20 or more points, after beating Green Bay 35-14 the week before.

New Orleans had little to cheer about. Tyler Shough threw for 286 yards and a late touchdown to Devaughn Vele, but he called the night "embarrassing" and said he would have booed, too. Alvin Kamara scored twice for his first touchdowns of the season, while the Saints also missed a 52-yard field goal and lost a fumble deep in their own end.

The night was supposed to be a celebration, because it marked 20 years since the Superdome reopened after Hurricane Katrina. In that 2006 game, also a Monday night against Atlanta, Steve Gleason blocked a punt for a touchdown and the Saints won 23-3. Gleason, who has ALS, helped lead the "Who Dat" chant before kickoff, and Irma Thomas sang the national anthem again, just as she did that night.

Atlanta now shares first place in the NFC South with Carolina, according to the Saints. The Falcons did pick up injury worries, since defensive end Za'Darius Smith entered the concussion protocol and left tackle Jake Matthews left with a groin injury, AP said.

Next up, Atlanta hosts Baltimore on Sunday night, and New Orleans hosts unbeaten Minnesota on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

What we know: Atlanta is 2-2 and tied for the NFC South lead, and New Orleans is 1-3.
What we don't: How long Smith and Matthews will be out.